Growing health insurance costs hitting schools, governments

It's Feb. 19. W-JCC schools estimate rising health insurance costs will add $3.8 million to their budget. York County tries to get its wake ordinances under control. Summer football league coming.

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Escalating health insurance costs are creating budget headaches for most Americans, and for our local governments.

The Williamsburg-James City County school system is looking at the biggest jump increase in its healthcare costs: It projects a 16% jump -- $3.8 million -- in the fiscal year that starts July 1.

James City County expects an increase of 9%, which will cost the county an extra $1 million next fiscal year. The city of Williamsburg expects its costs to rise but has not yet gotten an estimate, a spokesperson said.

USI, a healthcare consultant that works for both James City County and the schools, laid out a host of factors for the rapid rise in insurance:

• An aging workforce that uses more health care

• More expensive drugs and high-tech medical treatments

• The consolidation of hospitals and medical practices which can negotiate steeper fees from insurers

• Staffing shortages for healthcare workers that lead to higher salaries.

Administrators told the W-JC…